“That I do know.” She didn’t know what else to say to him. All she wanted was to stay with him. He promised her safety and she needed that. “I’m really glad you’re not trapped in there anymore.”
“As am I, and I’m sorry that you’ve spent so long in there.”
Flo shrugged. “Again, I felt safe, but it doesn’t feel that way at the moment.”
“Oh?”
“Your guests know about the hallway.” She hugged herself. “I don’t know why it’s bothering me.”
“They’re leaving in the morning.”
“Still…it’s been found.”
“Well, then come stay in my apartment tonight. I have an extra bed. It has to be more comfortable than curling up on an old rug on some matted old bedding in the corner.”
“I hover for the most part,” she said gently, but she was glad he was offering that to her.
“Well, whether you hover or not, I have a spare bed. If you don’t want to be alone tonight, come and stay with me. I can keep you safe.” Sven held out his hand and she knew deep down that he would. He’d promised her that.
Even if she couldn’t completely remember him, she always trusted him. It’s why she was drawn to him. She slipped her hand into his, setting her feet on the ground to walk up with him rather than float.
He amusedly looked down at her feet. “We can float now. I mean, there’s no cold wrought iron around here and I can move through walls.”
“Right.” She giggled nervously. “I forgot. It’s your brother who can’t move through walls anymore.”
“Not since his curse was broken.” Sven squeezed her hand and floated, just like her. “Let’s go. Onward and upward.”
Flo smiled and nodded, still holding his hand as they moved up through the ceiling and the various levels of the dead-and-breakfast. His gaze locked on her, and she could see the ghosts lingering as they passed, surprised by the two of them together. Usually, she didn’t like that much attention on herself, but right now, she didn’t care.
Finally, they were at the top of the house, in Sven’s apartment. Unlike his brother, who had a lot of brick, leather, and earthy colors adorning his apartment, Sven’s furnishings were more modern and mixed with antiques. The colors were whites and greys. It was very calming.
“I’d ask you what you think, but you’ve been up here before.”
“I do like your space. I don’t feel as anxious here.” She sighed. “It’s bright.”
“Good.”
“After so long in the cave, I like the light.” He walked across his bedroom and opened a connecting door. “This was your room.”
Flo wrung her hands together and crept over to where he’d opened the door. The room wasn’t as modern and bright. There were lush velvets and dark woods. A chaise lounge upholstered in pink was at the foot of the bed. A polished vanity set held a brass brush and comb. She ran her fingers over them.
“I remember this,” she whispered, in awe. She had a vision of herself brushing her hair here.
“I’m glad.”
“Well, I’ve been in this room before, but I don’t remember having a reaction like this. So why now?” she queried.
“I don’t know, but I’ll take that as a good sign.”
“Me too.” Flo made her way over to the portrait on the wall. It was her, that’s how she knew her name. However, the girl in the portrait looked sad. And she didn’t like it. She didn’t want to feel that way. “I don’t think I want to stay in here tonight,” she whispered.
“You don’t?” Sven asked, surprised. “I thought…seeing how this was your room.”
“I’d rather sleep in your bed tonight, if that’s all right by you?”
Chapter
Five
